SportsTurf provides current, practical and technical content on issues relevant to sports turf managers, including facilities managers. Most readers are athletic field managers from the professional level through parks and recreation, universities.
Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/73468
Turfgrass breeders' test provides extensive trial data 2004. The objective of the test is to combine resources among cool season turfgrass breeders in order to provide more extensive trial data for potential new cultivars. The United States is a large T geographical area with many diverse climates and microcli- mates. Because of this it is necessary to obtain as much performance data of poten- tially new releases (experi- mental lines) in comparison to existing cultivars as possi- ble. The National Turfgrass Evaluation Program (NTEP) provides an extensive testing system but is cost prohibitive for screening large numbers of genetic resources. There- fore, the CTBT was estab- lished in order to facilitate decisions about which exper- imental cultivars could po- tentially move forward. A new cultivar with positive performance in the CTBT could be included in the next NTEP trial. The CTBT has been de- signed to cover multiple test sites across the US so that re- searchers may gain informa- tion about the scope of adaptation of their experi- mental cultivars. The CTBT tests are planned to precede the NTEP. This allows the breeder the ability to make an informed choice on what may be included in the NTEP. The CTBT consists of six plant breeding programs: www.stma.org he Cooperative Turfgrass Breeders Test (CTBT) was founded in the fall of DLF International Seeds, Peak Genetics, Pickseed Group, Pure Seed Testing, NexGen Turf Research, and Rutgers University. The plant breeders are responsible for determin- ing number of entries, test schedule, evaluation meth- ods, and selecting the stan- dard test entries. CTBT tests are initiated, es- tablished, maintained and evaluated using standardized testing protocols. Many loca- tions use digital image analy- sis (DIA) for collection of turf quality data. DIA is very effec- tive at rating percent green cover during periods of drought or disease infesta- tions. Site cooperators collect data on turf quality, color, density and various diseases or insect damage. Depending sowing. In 2010 a tall fescue test was initiated at 10 loca- tions with 105 entries. The 2011 fine fescue test also has 10 trial locations and 105 en- tries. There is a great need for cultivars with reduced inputs. These reductions come through better shade, wear and drought tolerance and a reduced growth rate to re- duce maintenance costs. Ef- fective evaluation and availability of turf data assists the breeder choosing the best performing cultivars. Results can also be used to >> DR. WILLIAM MEYER rating a shade trial. on the species, data is also collected on drought, wear and shade tolerance. Data is collected for 2 years after determine if an experimental cultivar is well adapted to a local area or a particular at- tribute such as shade or drought. The data is analyzed and an annual report is pro- duced and distributed to co- operators and sponsors. Reports for all completed tri- als are always available on the CTBT web site (www.ctbt- us.info). ■ >> PHOTO OF RUST on Kentucky bluegrass trial in Arkansas. SportsTurf 19